QT Matthew 19:13-22

February 22, 2016

The young man in today’s QT is trying to earn eternal life. He asks Jesus in verse 16 “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” Jesus answers with 4 things to not do, and 2 things to do, don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t lie, and then do honor parents, and do love others as one loves self. The young man thinks he does all of that, which probably isn’t true. To hate someone is to kill them. To think about someone is a sexual way is to commit adultery. To covet might even be consider stealing, and so on. In reality, no one can pass these do not do commandments, and then there are the do commandments, to honor parents, and to love others, which are tasks that do not have an end. They go on infinitely. The young man, despite this, claims he’s done all of that. Then Jesus says “if you want to be perfect, go, sell all your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” and the young man went away sad because he had great wealth. The young man is contrasted with the children, who the disciples rebuked. Unlike the children, the young man was full of himself. He thought he did everything right, and prideful. Jesus knew this and asks for one thing the young man cannot give up, his great wealth, something he cannot do, to humble him from thinking he’s so righteous. All of this thought starts from the wrong place of wanting to earn eternal life, because eternal life is given not earned. Though, back then, this might not have been the case.

Today’s QT reflection asks what’s holding me back from following Jesus and experiencing His kingdom on earth. I’d like to say nothing, but there are probably some things. Marriage, love, and status are possibilities. These things can hinder me, but in reality, these things are not bigger than God. They’re all under His control in the end. My choice in the matter is not that critical in the end. God will carry out his best plan in the best way possible. What’s important is being awake and walking with God whenever, wherever, however I go.